Jon Gruden has already pulled off one major trade in his return to the Oakland Raiders as he sent Khalil Mack packing. And with the trade deadline still a couple weeks away, he is reportedly eyeing deals for two more former first-round picks, wide receiver Amari Cooper and safety Karl Joseph, per Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
After already trading Khalil Mack, @JayGlazer reports that the Raiders have been in discussions to trade former first round picks Amari Cooper and Karl Joseph. pic.twitter.com/6QrogAHNAQ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 14, 2018
Cooper, 24, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his last two seasons. However, he took a significant step back last season as he continued to struggle with drops. Through five games this season, Cooper has 22 catches for 280 yards and one touchdown.
Meanwhile, Joseph was the Raiders’ 14th overall pick in 2016. He’s started 24 out of the 27 games he’s played over his first two years in the league, including all 15 games he played last year.
However, he has struggled with injuries since coming into the league and has quickly fallen out of favor with Gruden. He’s yet to start a game this season and has made just three appearances due to a hamstring injury he’s been dealing with for the last couple of games.
While Gruden moving on from Joseph won’t be that much of a surprise, dealing Cooper would come as a bit of a shock. Gruden spoke very highly of the young receiver in the offseason, saying he would be a central piece of the team’s offense.
But as the Mack trade has already shown, Gruden is not afraid to pull the trigger on big moves, and Cooper could be the next one out the door if the Raiders get a good enough offer.
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